Former Beauty Trend Editor's Makeup 'Hall of Fame'

As a former beauty trends editor, it’s safe to say I’ve tried and tested my fair share of makeup products. But while I’ve discovered plenty of impressive formulas along the way, only a select few have become true repeat purchases. Think of the following as my personal makeup ‘hall of fame’ – that is, the products that have survived my countless beauty clear-outs and remained much-loved fixtures in my makeup bag, some of them for years!

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation

I’ve tried countless foundations over the years, but this remains the one I consistently come back to. It delivers buildable, medium-to-full coverage that feels completely weightless on my skin and genuinely lasts all day. It also gives a really radiant, soft-focus finish that effortlessly blurs imperfections, and the formula is boosted with a whole host of antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. For me, it delivers on every promise that so many foundations make, but few actually fulfil.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Let’s be honest, no powder has ever earned a more permanent place in my makeup bag than this one. I always reach for this when I need my makeup to be set for the long haul, without sacrificing luminosity. Ultra-finely-milled and virtually undetectable on the skin, it blurs pores, smooths texture and keeps shine at bay without ever dulling or drying out my skin. Plus, it’s refillable!

Pearl Beauty At Last Mascara

You’ve heard me mention this mascara countless times, which probably says a lot more than the next few sentences will. However, if long, lifted and super-defined lashes that never flake or smudge is your goal, then this mascara is definitely for you. It’s also very buildable, and my most favourite thing about this tubing mascara is the fact that it can be easily removed using just warm water.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Some makeup products become cult classics for a reason, and this concealer is a prime example. Whether I’m covering dark circles, redness or the occasional breakout, it always blends seamlessly into my skin, delivering full yet natural-looking coverage that lasts all day. Its creamy and hydrating formula also means that it never settles into fine lines or goes patchy under my eyes.

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

While many highlighters can often veer into glitter territory, this one strikes the perfect balance between luminosity and blurred radiance. The silky formula melts seamlessly into my skin giving me that warm, lit-from-within glow that says ‘sophisticated’ rather than ‘sparkly’. Plus, a little goes a really long way so these highlighters last for ages. My favourite shade is Mesmerize.

Vieve InvisiVeil Setting Spray

The final step of my makeup routine is always a generous spritz of this setting spray. It locks everything in place while taking away any powdery finish, leaving my skin looking fresh and flawless. It can also be used to prime your skin pre-makeup and to effortlessly refresh your look throughout the day if needed. Plus, unlike many setting sprays on the market, this one is alcohol-free so it never leaves my skin feeling dry or tight. Instead, it keeps my complexion deeply hydrated and my makeup flawless all day.

DISCLAIMERS:

While I’m not a dermatologist, I’ve spent much of my career immersed in the beauty industry. As a former beauty trends editor, I scoured the global market to identify and test some of the most innovative formulas out there. I later worked on the brand team at one of the UK’s fastest-growing skincare companies, helping bring to market some of today’s most advanced skincare technologies.

This post is not sponsored, and none of the links are affiliate links. All product recommendations and opinions are entirely my own.